Want To Take A Meandering Route Chiang Mai - Bangkok

[lotus eater]

Looking for a suggested route - meandering and not the shortest - which incorporates 3-4 stopovers of a few nights each.

I don't want to travel on bad roads that couldn't be handled comfortably by my Mazda 3.

I have an interest in historic/archaeological sites/monuments. Sukkothai and Ayyuthaya obviously come to mind - but I'd be prepared to leave one - or conceivably both - of them for another day if it makes sense in planning an otherwize very appealing route.

Obviously I prefer to drive through beautiful landscapes - rather than the opposite.

Prefer to stay at guest houses/hotels of some character/charm - rather than standard fare. But want to keep average price below say 1200 baht a night.

All suggestions will be much appreciated.

Sorry - Meant to write Chiang Rai as the starting point.